Former Wild coach Todd Richards wasn't on the unemployment line long. The Crystal, Minn., native will join the Columbus Blue Jackets as Scott Arniel's assistant.
Richards had other opportunities, but this one was firm, offered and here for the taking. The others he'd have to wait for.
Richards and Arniel know each other from their AHL coaching days and developed a relationship when they'd share scouting reports. When Arniel coached Manitoba, he'd give West reports to Richards. Richards, who coached Wilkes-Barre, would give East reports to Arniel.
Richards was attractive to Columbus because he's known as a good power-play guy. Richards is very excited to work with Rick Nash and a lot of Columbus' young up-and-comers.
Also, the Wild's Nate Prosser accepted his one-year, $715,000 qualifying offer. It's a two-way deal. Prosser had a strong season, especially in the second half, for Mike Yeo and the Houston Aeros.
